Comments on: Practicing Christian Hospitality | How to be a Gracious Host

By: Dolly

Dolly — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 09:12:54 +0000

I found just what I was needed, and it was enteratinnig!

By: Calum Henderson

Calum Henderson — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:52:23 +0000

Very true. And thanks for your prayers.

By: Craig

Craig — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:56:04 +0000

Calum,
Thanks for your comment.
Of course, you can break out the big stuff when you entertain. However, sometimes that is the focus of hospitality. The conversation and the warmth should be the focus.
You blog sounds like an interesting project. I pray that it thrives.

By: Calum Henderson

Calum Henderson — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 12:53:57 +0000

Hi Craig,

I really liked how you separated entertaining from showing hospitality, a great distinction to be aware of. However, do you think it is possible to show hospitality and use nice china and the like?

I found the 10 tips you gave very practical as well, helpful for all Christians to read.

My wife and I have just started a hospitality blog and are looking forward to think through some of the things that you have mentioned.

Calum

By: Monroe on a Budget

Monroe on a Budget — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:07:44 +0000

Today’s Scripture lesson at the services I attended included Abraham and the strangers, and Martha and Mary hosting Jesus. Do you catch the details in Abraham’s story? He told his wife and staff to prepare the best they had in camp. They didn’t run to the bazaar to get above and beyond; but they did serve the best that was in the house, so to speak.

It’s a rare occasion for us to have guests, but when we do, they are usually from out of town. So we have a list of local things we share or do that are simple and inexpensive, such as: pizza from the “local place,” photo sessions at the local landmarks, fresh ground coffee beans from the locally owned coffee shop, attending services at our church and explaining the historic details.

By: Khaleef @ KNS Financial

Khaleef @ KNS Financial — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:35:41 +0000

Craig,

Just wanted you to know that my wife sent me this article yesterday telling me how great it was! She didn’t realize that I had already posted a comment on it.

We are definitely going to be more conscious of hosting vs entertaining when we have guests over in the future!

Thanks again!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:47:04 +0000

Craig,
This post was so timely…I think God is tapping me on the shoulder. We just had a Ladies’ Day at our church last month and hospitality was the topic. I love the hosting vs. entertaining idea.
Thanks for the thought provoking post!

By: Joe Plemon

Joe Plemon — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:43:56 +0000

Craig,
My wife and I all too often fall victim to the “entertainment” instead of “hospitality” aspect of having company over. As a result, we get sort of paralyzed by the stress of having people over (entertaining) and end up not doing so as often as we could. The best times we have at other people’s houses are when we are able to relax and simply enjoy the visit. I don’t think I have ever thought any less of someone because I saw some dust on a table.

Thanks for the pointers. I think they will help!

By: Khaleef @ KNS Financial

Khaleef @ KNS Financial — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:22:39 +0000

Excellent article! We had a guest pastor come last Sunday because our pastor was out of town. My wife and I had him with us between services, and we loved every minute of it!

He was such a wonderful, humble and sincere man that it was easy to open our home (really apartment) to him. I honestly can say that I can’t wait until we have the opportunity to do it again.

By: Darren

Darren — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:40:47 +0000

I like this post! That first quote about hospitality saying our stuff is a gift from God and to be used for His desires.

Expanding on point 5, sharing stories about your life, how you grew up, what you do today, etc. is a great way to make them feel comfortable.